Deputy President Paulus Mashatile commenced a five-day working visit to China on July 14, 2025, marking a strategic effort to deepen economic collaboration between Pretoria and Beijing.
The trip centres on South Africa’s participation in the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), where Mashatile will inaugurate the country national pavilion at the world premier supply chain event now in its third year.
Acting spokesperson Keith Khoza confirmed the delegation aims to advance the nations’ All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership while positioning South Africa as Sub-Saharan Africa primary hub for industrial investment.
Key engagements include bilateral talks with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and meetings with corporate giants spanning construction (China State Construction), finance (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China), automotive (BAIC), and renewable energy sectors.
The itinerary features critical participation in the South Africa-China Investment Forum, designed to accelerate two-way trade flows. Mashatile’s delegation comprises seven cabinet members including Trade Minister Parks Tau, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, signaling cross-sectoral priorities from water management to small business development.
Hosted under China’s central government oversight, the CISCE platform enables South Africa to showcase investment-ready projects while addressing supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by recent global crises.
The mission follows intensified BRICS coordination efforts and comes as Chinese direct investment in Africa surpasses $50 billion annually.
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